UPPER DIVISION ONLY
The goal of this upper division track program is to encourage student engaged learning and development of science appreciation by CSU students via: a) substantial undergraduate research project, or b) student-led public science outreach. The following are typical steps expected of the COF students in order to achieve this goal.
- With the help of a faculty mentor, identify a research/independent study project or public science outreach-service project.
- A research project should be conducted with a CSU faculty over the course of an academic year. A project can take the form of an independent study class for credit, or of an unpaid or paid undergraduate research experience not for credit. It can be related to a senior project, a senior design project, or honors’/scholars’ thesis (see specific rules below).
- Public science outreach project should be a sustained effort in public outreach to schools and other public venues through either a CSU academic student organization (e.g. SPS, Math Club, ACS, SWE, IEEE, ASME, AICHE, AIAA, etc.) or a CSU faculty or department-led outreach programs (e.g. Fenn Academy outreach, ect). Students choosing to join an existing outreach program must participate in both planning and execution of lessons. (see specific rules below)
- Present a proposal of research/independent study or outreach activities with stated goals and projected outcomes to COF faculty coordinator for approval
- Secure formal participation in the proposed project or outreach program.
- Submit a brief written report on progress each semester to the COF faculty coordinator.
- During year two of the program, prepare a final poster on the completed research/independent study or public outreach-service and present it at the annual Choose Ohio First Research Poster Conference.
Applying for the COF Research/Science Outreach Track
Students in any of the Choose Ohio First lower division programs can apply for this Upper Division Research/Service Track at the end of their Sophomore year. The scholar must be in good standing in the COF program, including continuing in any of the approved COF majors.
Students transferring to CSU as Juniors or Seniors may also participate, but must submit a general COF transfer student application indicating interest in the Research/Science Outreach Track or contact the COF Coordinator directly.
In their applications, scholars need to demonstrate how a research project/independent study or science outreach would impact their career or academic goals. Applicants should describe the type of experience they will be seeking. Finally, students must commit to participating in a research project/independent study or public science outreach service experience.
Specific Rules and Procedures
Developing a Plan
Upon admission into the COF Research/Science Outreach Track, a faculty advisor will work with you to identify CSU faculty for a potential research project/independent study or student organization/CSU outreach program for public science outreach opportunity. The COF faculty advisor will help you to develop a plan to apply to and/or secure the opportunity.
Allowed forms of a research project:
- Independent study in any STEM major (Honors thesis/Project would count)
- Paid undergraduate research project
- Unpaid undergraduate research project
- Senior design project
- Senior project
NOTE: if the COF Research project is closely related to a project counted toward your degree completion (i.e. senior project, honors thesis) or is a project paid for hours, a documented extra effort on the project (identified with the help of your independent study advisor and approved by the COF faculty advisor) is expected from you for the COF Research track credit.
Semester Reports
By the end of each semester a brief report will be submitted by the COF Scholar. This report will outline all Research progress and its current products or science outreach activities planned or completed to date. If any modifications to the approved plan are desired, they can be made through this report. Satisfactory progress, including evidence that the student will complete all tasks by graduation, will be required to continue in the program.
Poster Presentation
Prior to graduation a poster presentation on the completed research/independent study or public science outreach work will be presented by the COF Scholar at the annual Choose Ohio First Research Poster Conference. For team-based projects several COF scholars may present a single poster with contributions from each team member clearly identified. The poster should convey learning objectives, research/outreach activities completed, and reflection on lessons learned.
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Kiril Streletzky
216.687.2433
k.streletzky@csuohio.edu